About us

• Health Research Sogn og Fjordane is based on the collaboration agreement between Førde Hospital Trust and Western Norway University of Applied Science (HVL): Collaboration agreement level I between HVL and Helse Førde . This website is an information platform for the research and development cooperation that takes place in the health research environment in Sogn og Fjordane. The aim of the collaboration is to strengthen research and innovation within the health service in Sogn og Fjordane by establishing a joint research centre, which will contribute to: 
  • Increase the scope of health research and development work within broad national and regional priority areas 
  • Increase the scope of general health testing within broad national and regional priority areas, but also development areas that are specifically linked to local conditions in Sogn og Fjordane 
  • Make collaborative institutions academically more competitive nationally and internationally 
  • Strengthen academic research and development (R&D) activity at partner institutions 
  • Make workplaces in partner institutions more attractive 

Three research groups are organized under Health Research Sogn og Fjordane: 

• PERSONFORSK
• Quality and innovation in the health and care servies
• Collaboration and public health (start up soon)

The research groups are a common arena where those interested in science and research can meet, exchange knowledge and ideas and develop projects across institutions and academic backgrounds. Each group has a leader who actively participates with R&D in the field. Some projects may be included in several groups, and several of the researchers will also participate in research groups in other academic environments in or outside the university college and Helse Førde. 

We are a driving force in connection with adopted research policy and strategy for Førde Hospital Trust and Western Norway University of Applied Science. In collaboration with other parts of Førde Hospital Trust and Western Norway University of Applied Science, we will contribute to developing support functions and services to increase R&D competence. 

Health Research Sogn og Fjordane will build bridges between relevant research environments at partner sites, and contribute to easier access to the partner institutions» expertise and networks. We play a leading role, provide information and guidance on funding opportunities and further develop networks with research funding bodies and other research networks. 

The coordination group for Health Research Sogn og Fjordane is composed of two leaders from Førde Hospital Trust and two leaders from Western Norway University of Applied Science and research director for the centre. 

The coordination group focuses on increasing cooperation, activity and quality of research at the two collaborating institutions, and is responsible for initiating professional development and a joint academic environment in health research at Førde Hospital Trust and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The cooperative body shall also initiate applications for R&D projects and collaborative projects, and has an advisory function for the management and boards of the Første Hospital Trust and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.